Scholz urges Putin on peace talks in a landmark phone call
In a conversation with Vladimir Putin, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Russia to negotiate with Ukraine to achieve a lasting peace. This conversation marks the first contact between the leaders in two years.
Chancellor Olaf Scholz spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin on Friday. It was their first meeting since December 2021. Scholz emphasised the necessity of Russia being prepared for talks with Ukraine to establish a lasting and fair peace.
Germany supports Ukraine. Pressure on Germany
A government spokesman in Berlin, Steffen Hebestreit, informed that Chancellor Scholz had spoken with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy earlier.
These discussions form part of broader diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Ukraine. Scholz is endeavouring to mediate between the parties to find a solution that will bring peace to the region.
The chancellor stresses that dialogue is key to reaching an agreement. International cooperation and the involvement of all parties are essential for ending the war.
Putin accuses NATO
The Kremlin responded that the current crisis results from NATO's aggressive policies and stated that Russia is open to resuming negotiations, provided its security interests are considered. Scholz informed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about the conversation, and they expressed satisfaction with Scholz's unequivocal condemnation of Russian aggression.
After the conversation with Putin, Scholz updated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk about the outcome of the talks. Tusk expressed approval of Scholz's clear condemnation of Russian aggression and emphasised the principle of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine."
